The Italians finished the first half with a slender 18-16 lead, thanks to tries by Lorenzo Cittadini and Leonardo Ghiraldini, as well as Kris Burton’s one conversion and two penalties.

Tonga were competitive throughout the game, with Alisona Taumalolo and Fetu’u Vainikolo scoring tries and Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa contributing two conversions and three penalties. But ultimately, they couldn’t do enough in the second half to surpass Italy on the scoreboard.

Italy were awarded a penalty try in the second stanza and Burton also added a further five points with the boot.